Cheshire East Council has added £20,000 to a £50,000 grant from The Waste Recycling Group Limited. This money will be used to provide a range of fun equipment that will help to stimulate young children, keeping them fit and healthy. The play equipment includes a nursery rhyme multi-play unit, 'talking flowers', play panels, colourful ground markings and 'springies' as well as traditional equipment such as swings and a roundabout. The play area has been designed with disabled access in mind.
The scheme is a part of wider developments in the area, including work to develop the large recreation field opposite the play area. Work is also starting on a project, in which Groundwork Cheshire, the Community Development Group, local councillors, Cheshire East Council, Cheshire Peaks and Plains Housing Trust and other partner organisations will be supporting local residents in planning a long-term strategy of community development for the area. Residents are asked to contact Beth Brockett at Groundwork on 01606 723160 or beth.brockett@groundwork.org.uk if they would like to get involved.
Cheshire East Chief Executive Erika Wenzel, Council Leader Wesley Fitzgerald and Councillor Darryl Beckford visited the Weston Estate on Wednesday 22 April to offer their support to the play area project and future neighbourhood working.
Erika says: "It'll be great for the children and parents to have a new play area to use in the area and congratulations to everyone on their hard work. We are happy to see the work start on site. The aim of Cheshire East is to bring everyone together to help improve their own community and make it an area to be proud of."
The planned completion date is in early June. Councillor Darryl Beckford, Ward Member for Macclesfield West says: "The play area provides much-needed facilities for the families who live in Macclesfield West. The location will provide a central hub for families in the community to congregate, and I hope they will treasure and guard the play area fiercely! On behalf of the residents of my ward, I'd like to thank all those who have worked so hard to bring this project to life."
Richard Smith of WREN says: "We are delighted that work is about to start on this scheme to provide much needed play equipment for local children. Our advisory panel in Cheshire were very supportive of the project and we hope the facilities will bring enjoyment to a great many children for years to come."
Picture: (From left) Cllr Wesley Fitzgerald, Beth Brockett (Groundwork Cheshire), Paul Hitchener and Louise Booth (residents and members of Community Development Group), Cllr Darryl Beckford, Cllr Sandy Bentley.
